Shop plans a smashing event to raise funds for a good cause

Before you smash a car, you have to paint it, right? Local kids get Eccles Auto Service ready for their Smash Event on July 6.

Want to raise money for a good cause, but think a car wash is too boring? You could take a page from Dundas shop owner Bruce Eccles’ playbook.

He and his team are inviting customers to pay $5 to smash a Kia with a sledgehammer.

Bruce Eccles helps the “Routes Youth” paint the Kia.

It’s part of the launch of the third location of Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ont. Funds will be donated to the local Margaret’s Place Hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa.

Margaret’s Place will bring 10 hospice beds to Dundas and a community outreach centre that will provide grief and bereavement support to patients of all ages and their families.

Eccles and his team have long supported local causes, including Routes Youth Centre, a local organization that provides youth ages 8-19 a safe and caring space for educational, recreational programs. “Routes Youth” are participating in this event by painting the Kia in preparation of the smashing.

“We’re grateful for Bruce’s ongoing support,” says John van Vliet, chairman of the Routes Youth Centre board of directors.  “It’s innovative events like this that characterize Dundas spirit.  Bruce’s event is a five-way win – the hospice gains much-needed funds, our community gets more hospice capacity, Routes youth get to volunteer, Routes Youth Centre gets a donation, and participants – well, they get to smash a car!”

So, why a car smash instead of the traditional car wash?  “That’s easy,” Bruce laughs.  “It’s way more fun!”

The smash for cash will take place July 6, at 123 Hatt Street in Dundas, from 10 am to 3 pm.

www.eccles.ca

Bruce Eccles (left) presents a cheque to John van Vliet, the board chairman of Routes Youth Centre.